When David Tester, 56, installed a heat pump in his West Sussex home during the winter of 2022, he faced frigid temperatures. Fast forward to this summer, the UK had sweltering heatwaves, challenging Britain’s resilience. Despite the extremes, Tester’s 1930s semi has stayed comfortable throughout.
His air-to-air heat pump heats in winter and cools in summer—essentially acting like an air conditioner. Thanks to his solar panels, he mentions, “It provides cooling for free.”
Heat pumps are still a novelty in the UK, but rising temperatures might change that. The government is planning to include air-to-air heat pumps in its grant scheme, which already offers £7,500 to homeowners who swap their gas boilers for “wet system” heat pumps.
Hydronic heat pumps, which use existing central heating systems, have been prioritized so far. They operate by capturing heat from outside and warming water for radiators. Jan Rosenow, a director at the Regulatory Assistance Project, notes that air-to-air heat pumps are more popular across Europe, the US, and even China. “It may seem new for UK homes, but really it is the dominant technology,” he explains.
These heat pumps are increasingly being adopted in public spaces like offices and shopping centers. According to Andrew Sissons from Nesta, smaller homes and flats could greatly benefit from them as cooling demands grow. “They provide cooling—which is more needed as our summers heat up—and cost significantly less,” he states. They’re easy to install too, often just mounted on walls, saving outdoor space.
However, a drawback is that air-to-air systems typically don’t provide hot water, meaning homeowners might need a separate solution to fully replace traditional boiler systems. For instance, Tester still uses his gas boiler for underfloor heating, although minimally during the winter.
A significant concern arises with the increasing demand for cooling systems in warmer climates. Most British homes lack air conditioning, which raises worries about energy consumption and carbon emissions, especially as the climate crisis worsens. According to the International Energy Agency, cooling accounts for about 10% of global electricity demand, projected to double by 2050.
In light of these challenges, Sissons encourages homeowners to consider air-to-air heat pumps for cooling. He asserts that the carbon savings from these systems will offset the extra demand for cooling energy. Plus, the days we need cooling often coincide with high solar energy production in the UK, mitigating concerns about energy strain.
The National Energy System Operator forecasts a higher electricity demand by the end of the decade but believes a nearly zero-carbon electricity grid could satisfy this need. Improved efficiency and renewables can help align energy demands with supplies.
To lessen the impact of rising cooling demands, the Energy Saving Trust suggests starting with simple passive cooling techniques. Using window shades and improving ventilation can help homeowners stay cool without relying too heavily on energy-intensive systems.
As temperatures continue to fluctuate, the decision to install heat pumps might not just be about comfort; it may also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. By embracing new technology and mindful energy practices, homeowners can play their part in a changing climate.
Source link
